Alleged Plot to Bomb Synagogue in NYC: Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi's Terrorism Charges
An individual from Iraq, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, was brought to federal court for allegedly planning to bomb a synagogue in New York City and other Jewish establishments nationwide. The accusations linked him to Iranian-backed militant groups. Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch commended the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and prosecutors for thwarting the alleged plot before it could be executed. The synagogue targeted in the plan was not disclosed, but security measures are being implemented to ensure its safety.
Al-Saadi is facing terrorism-related charges, including conspiring to support Iran-aligned groups like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Kata’ib Hizbollah. He was depicted in a photo conversing with Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the IRGC Quds Force, who was assassinated in Iraq in January 2020. Prosecutors claim Al-Saadi played a leadership role in Kata’ib Hizbollah and was involved in planning attacks in Europe and Canada targeting American interests.
Al-Saadi allegedly tried to recruit an individual to carry out attacks on Jewish sites in the U.S., unaware that the person was an undercover law enforcement officer monitoring the plot. He discussed coordinated attacks on Jewish centers in Los Angeles and Scottsdale, Arizona, proposing to set the locations on fire simultaneously. Al-Saadi sent a down payment of $3,000 in cryptocurrency and scheduled the attacks for April 6. He was apprehended in Turkey and transferred to FBI custody before being brought to the U.S.
During his court appearance, Al-Saadi did not enter a plea, and a follow-up hearing is set for May 29. The case highlights the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in preventing potential threats to the Jewish community and upholding national security.